Meet The Team: Arwen Heaton; Communications, Dancing Mistress
Arwen at the Glade
Photo: Tom Kay
Name: Arwen Heaton
Role: Communications (website, newsletters); dance displays & workshops co-ordinator.
How did you get involved?
Dave asked me to help out in 2024, and I volunteered to organise the stewards. But there wasn’t any dance representation in 2024, and as I’m a clog dancer, a former rapper dancer and NW morris dancer, and have been involved in folk music, trad English and euro dance, since being tiny, I thought there ought to be some dance at Cumberlandia! So in 2025 I took that on as well.
What were the highlights of 2024 or 2025 for you?
Just seeing the whole vision come together, really, and get better year on year. Kathryn Tickell was magical on the Glade stage in 2024.
What are you looking forward to for 2026?
I like a good sing around, I’m looking forward to performing with Quickbeam again on Saturday afternoon, and I’m really looking forward to a well-earned pint and a bop to Steel Foxes on Saturday night! I’m also excited to be leading the final en masse An Dro that starts the closing ceremony. (Check out the Eurobal on Sunday morning where you can learn the An Dro dance that we’ll wind around the Village Green).
Any top tips for this year's visitors?
It’s a small site so have a wander around and have a look at as much as you can. Everyone’s really friendly. This year we’re running two short informal ‘Festival Friends’ meeting spaces for people who have maybe come on their own or are wanting to meet new people, gig or workshop buddies. A lot of people there will already know each other, but it’s important to us that everyone feels welcome and included, so maybe come along to one of those and play with some lego!
What should people absolutely not miss?
Well, there’s so much to do for such a small festival, that I would say don’t miss out on the chance to try or see something new, maybe something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. You never know, you might like it…
One thing people should bring with them.
Waterproofs, just in case! And a camping chair.
Anything else you'd like to add?
If there’s anything you need help with, grab one of us and ask. And bring wet wipes because there are no showers.